Best 2 Balkan Burgers Recipes

Embark on a culinary journey to the Balkans, where flavors dance and spices ignite the senses. Balkan burgers, a symphony of succulent ground meat, tantalizing seasonings, and fresh ingredients, await your taste buds. These patties, crafted with a blend of beef, lamb, and pork, exude a robust character. Herbs like parsley, mint, and oregano lend their aromatic essence, while spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic infuse warmth and depth.

Prepare to be captivated by three distinct Balkan burger recipes that showcase the region's diverse culinary heritage. The "Classic Balkan Burger" embodies tradition, featuring a perfectly seasoned patty nestled between soft, toasted buns. Slather on a garlicky yogurt sauce, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and tangy pickled onions for a harmonious bite.

The "Balkan Lamb Burger" offers a taste of opulence. Ground lamb, seasoned with a vibrant blend of spices and herbs, forms the foundation of this gourmet delight. Paired with a tangy feta cheese spread, zesty tzatziki sauce, and a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, this burger elevates your dining experience.

For a vegetarian twist, the "Balkan Veggie Burger" bursts with flavor and texture. A combination of lentils, quinoa, and vegetables, bound together by aromatic herbs and spices, creates a hearty and satisfying patty. Topped with a creamy avocado spread, crunchy coleslaw, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, this burger caters to both vegetarians and meat lovers alike.

Indulge in the Balkans' culinary artistry with these exceptional burger recipes. Fire up your grill, gather your loved ones, and savor the explosion of flavors that await you.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

BALKAN BURGER

Balkan Burger image

This Balkan burger is our take on pljeskavica but was actually inspired by cevapi. These hamburgers are oniony and bouncy and are terrific with a big dose of ajvar.

Provided by Travel Cook Repeat

Categories Recipes

Time 1h45m

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

2 small pitas (~4 in diameter)
2 large leaves green cabbage, shredded or thinly sliced
1 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
2 oz feta, sliced into 4-6 pieces
1/4 cup yellow onion, very thinly sliced
2 Tbsp ajvar
12 oz ground beef
3 Tbsp yellow onion, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp Worcester sauce
1 heaping tsp ajvar
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp hot paprika
3/8 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt

Steps:

Mix all burger ingredients together with a fork and then with your hands. Shape the meat into patties and place covered in the fridge for 40 minutes. Take the burgers out 20 minutes before you want to cook them.
Toss the shredded cabbage with the apple cider vinegar.
Heat a grill pan on medium/high heat. Grill the burgers for 5 minutes on each side for medium rare. Remove from the grill pan, tent, and let rest for 5 minutes before assembling.
While your burgers are cooking, warm your pitas in the oven wrapped in aluminum foil for 5-10 minutes. Slice the pitas in half when they come out of the oven.
Assemble your burgers: put the bottom half of the pita on a plate, lay down a handful of cabbage, add the burger, top with cheese, sliced onions, ajvar, and the top lid of your pita. Throw the rest of the cabbage and any remaining onions on the plate to enjoy along the way.

BALKAN BURGERS

Balkan Burgers image

These burgers are called Pljeskavica in Albania. It literally means 'to clap your hands' which describes how the patties are made. They can be grilled or fried and served on crusty rolls or in pita pockets. Traditionally they are served by spreading ajvar and kajmak on them and adding onions and pickles.

Provided by Vicki Butts (lazyme)

Categories Burgers

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 19

Ingredients

FOR BURGERS:
1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 lb ground veal (or lamb)
1/2 medium onion, grated or minced
3 Tbsp minced fresh parsley or dill
1 1/2 tsp ground coriander
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 c beef stock or water
FOR SERVING:
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 ripe tomato, finely chopped
1/4 c chopped pickled peppers
ajvar, optional
kajmak, optional
4 crusty rolls or pita pockets

Steps:

1. Combine all burger ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
2. With wet hands, form 4 patties and refrigerate (covered) until ready to grill.
3. Place the chopped vegetables in bowls with spoons.
4. Preheat the grill to high. Grill the burgers until cooked through and golden brown, 4 to 6 minutes per side, turning with a spatula.
5. Serve the burgers on rolls topped with spoonfuls of onion, tomato, and pickled pepper.

Tips:

Prep your ingredients beforehand: Chop the onions, parsley, and garlic ahead of time to save time when assembling the burgers.
Use fresh, high-quality ground beef: This will ensure that your burgers are juicy and flavorful.
Don't overmix the meat: Overmixing can make the burgers tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Season the burgers well: Use a generous amount of salt, pepper, and other spices to taste.
Form the burgers into patties that are about 1-inch thick: This will help them cook evenly.
Cook the burgers over medium heat: This will help prevent them from burning on the outside while remaining raw on the inside.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the burgers: Cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare, 165 degrees Fahrenheit for medium, or 170 degrees Fahrenheit for well-done.
Let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving: This will help them retain their juices.

Conclusion:

The Balkan burger is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a summer cookout or a casual weeknight meal. With its flavorful beef patties, tangy yogurt sauce, and fresh toppings, this burger is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you're looking for a new burger recipe, give the Balkan burger a try!